PLANS to punish those who throttle their partners with up to five years in prison have been welcomed by campaigners.

Swindon campaigner Frank Mullane of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse, whose sister Julia Pemberton and nephew William were murdered by her estranged husband, branded non-fatal strangulation a sickening and horrific crime.

Ministers have today confirmed that the government will introduce an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill making non-fatal strangulation a crime punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.

It follows pressure from campaigners, who raised concerns that abusers may avoid punishment where attacks leave no visible injury. Despite the attacks causing victims to fear for their lives, perpetrators may only be charged with a lesser offence such as common assault.

Welcoming the new plans, Mr Mullane said: “This is a sickening and horrific crime which has too often escaped the attention of the police and the courts.

“It is all about power, control and inducing fear. Victims of domestic abuse, already compromised by the way societal myths can often mean they get blamed for the abuse they suffer, will hopefully now have better protection.”

He added that many of those killed by their partners or ex-partners had earlier been throttled by them.